Jersey City Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley says that while the governing body has not received a proposal for a bike lane on Martin Luther King Drive and Ocean Avenue in any form yet, resident feedback remains key, highlighting recent traffic safety upgrades.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Lately, there has been a lot of discussion around turning Martin Luther King Drive and Ocean Avenue into one-way streets. While no plans, requests, or proposals have been sent to the council for this, I realize that there was a social media post about this change and residents are concerned,” she said in a statement.
“I believe, at this time, it is best for my office to continue to work with residents of my Ward on changes that make sense for them. I also believe that any discussions should include ideas from various communities representing a variety of concerns.”
Although the aforementioned bike lane is yet to be proposed, some residents of the city’s south side came out hard against the concept at last week’s council meeting, including one of Ridley’s November 4th opponents, Pam Johnson.
Additionally, Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore has organized a community meeting on the topic for Wednesday, August 13th (the next council meeting is August 20th).
Ridley continued that community concerns had been heard when it came to a number of recent traffic safety improvements, such as a new four-way stop installed at Woodlawn and Bergen Avenues.
She also mentioned a new painted median at the intersection of Bramhall and Pacific Avenues, adding that her office has asked the Department of Traffic and Engineering to conduct a stop survey so that a four-way stop can be installed there as well.
Furthermore, the councilwoman stated she worked with NJ Transit to stop buses from parking along Gates Avenue, requested the installation of sidewalks at the end of Communipaw Avenue.
Ridley also highlighted that the council voted to move forward with adding sidewalks to Philip Street, as well as asking the Department of Traffic and Engineering to provide an assessment of opening an additional means of egress to Chapel Avenue below Caven Point Road.
“These are just a few of the requests my office has received, suggestions we have made, and improvements we are working on in order to improve street safety,” she added.
“Our city is changing rapidly and it is important that all residents are included in conversations surrounding changes to their community.”
What they want to do will b the biggest mistake to do to MLK and Ocean Avenue,